A complete depression treatment plan takes into account the physical, social, and emotional aspects of depression.

Related

Dealing with depression means more than just finding the right medication. Since depression can be caused by physical, emotional, and social problems, a complete treatment plan has to take all these causes into consideration.

No two people with depression are the same, and what works well for another person may not work for you. In most cases the best treatment plan involves a combination of professional help, self-help, and lifestyle changes.

Overcoming Depression: Medical Help

Depression may be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. Research shows that the brains of people with depression look different when viewed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If your depression has a medical cause, there are many reasons why a medical doctor is the right professional to help you conquer depression. A treatment plan for overcoming depression encompasses:

Treating depression and any other diseases. Depression may be caused or made worse by other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, or thyroid disease. Other medications you are taking may also have side effects that act like depression. Before moving on to any treatment of your depression, you need a good medical evaluation.

Antidepressant medications. If your family doctor thinks your depression could be helped by antidepressants, your doctor may prescribe them for you, or refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is also a medical doctor who can prescribe and monitor you while you are taking medications for depression.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).ECT, also known as shock therapy, is the delivery of an electric shock that causes a seizure and changes the way the brain’s nerves communicate. There are some types of severe depression in which ECT therapy can provide relief to people who don't respond to other types of therapy. ECT can only be administered under medical supervision.

Overcoming Depression: Psychological Help

Psychological stress is a contributor in many cases of depression. If you have experienced a stressful life event such as a financial problem, relationship problem, or loss of a loved one, it can trigger a severe depression. In most cases a complete treatment plan for dealing with depression includes psychotherapy, or "talk therapy." A therapist can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional, and can help you with overcoming depression by providing:

Diagnosis of other psychological problems that contribute to depression.Alcohol or other drug problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sexual abuse are examples of psychological conditions that can cause depression and can be diagnosed by a mental health professional.

Behavioral therapy. Cognitive and interpersonal therapies are types of talk therapy that teach you new ways of thinking and dealing with your emotions. You may learn how to identify and change negative coping styles and avoid behaviors that contribute to depression.

Couples and family therapy. A mental health professional can also meet with you and your loved ones at the same time. This is often an effective way of dealing with emotional family and relationship issues that contribute to depression. Getting family members involved in therapy can also strengthen your support system.

Alternative therapies. A mental health professional may introduce you to therapies such as biofeedback, relaxation training, or guided imagery meditations, which can teach you new ways of dealing with stress.

Overcoming Depression: Your Role

The first thing you need to do if you are dealing with depression is ask for help. Taking that first step can be hard; statistics show that many people never seek help for depression. Other ways you can work to overcome your depression include:

Support. Spend time with people who support you. Many people with depression get help from joining a support group. Many also get great support from spiritual practices or religious affiliations. The important thing is not to isolate yourself.

Exercise. Many studies show that regular physical activity is a great way to stay fit and fight depression. Seek out activities that you enjoy and that you can share with others.

Relaxation. Give yourself permission to take time for relaxation. Learn and use relaxation strategies regularly. You can also relax by just making time to do things you enjoy like going to a movie or a ballgame.

Stay healthy. Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid using alcohol to excess.

Depression treatment can work. A good treatment plan will involve a medical evaluation, a psychological evaluation, and one or more types of therapy. The most common treatment plan for severe depression is a combination of medication and talk therapy.

But remember, you can't overcome depression until you take that first step and seek out the treatment you need.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about
your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of
interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make
choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here.